Projects Residential

Forest Road, Witham, Essex

The project comprised the design and construction of 31 new dwellings in Forest Road, Witham, Essex, comprising one three-bedroom house and two two-bedroom houses for shared ownership, together with eight two-bedroom houses and 20 one-bedroom apartments for affordable rent. The project also included associated landscaping, drainage, access road and parking facilities.

Sector: Residential
Location: Witham, Essex
Client: Orwell Housing Association
Employers Agent: AECOM
Architect: Nick Barber Architects
Structural Engineers: Rossi Long Consulting Ltd
Commenced: March 2016
Completed: April 2017
Procurement Method: Design and Build
Contract Value: £2,865,000

Challenges and Constraints

Access off residential estate.
Boundary occupied dwellings on three sides of site – all of which required replacement, therefore multiple residents to agree access arrangements to construct new boundary fences and walls
Existing adopted drainage to divert off site and in highway verge – required early appointment of utility company and careful programming as these works were the first activity on site.
Large bespoke cycle, bin store
Hard and soft landscaping

Construction Processes and Methods

Trench-fill and piled foundations (to suit varied ground conditions). Masonry construction, pitched roof coverings, high efficiency gas boilers, shower waste heat recovery, low energy lighting. Sprinkler system in some dwellings (due to fire appliance access distance).
Mixed tenure with different level of specification of finishes and fixtures
New adopted and private roadways; permeable paving as attenuation with adopted surface and foul water drainage connections.

Environmental

As responsible contractors who are ISO14001 accredited, we completed environmental risk assessments, minimised waste and any waste was disposed of using licensed companies. Waste was sorted at the collection depot. Typically, 90% of waste is recycled.

Recent Projects

What Our Clients Say

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“Peter was outstanding when it came to communications and implementing changes and fixes that were required by the building work supplier. Very happy to recommend Gipping's services to others.”

Oliver Squirrell, Old Jet Airspace Programme
“I just wanted to thank you again for pretty much everything! I absolutely love our home and it was totally worth the wait. There isn’t a single thing I’d change, it really is perfect. The landscapers have been now too and it’s totally transformed the outside space, it just looks incredible. I feel super lucky to live here, every time I pull up back home I smile and feel so grateful and lucky. All the workmen have been incredibly lovely and gone above and beyond too, you have such a great team of people, they are extremely lovely and that makes a huge difference. I wish you well in all that you do creating beautiful homes for people. Thank you so so much.”

Kayleigh Williams: Wix
“As a team, Gipping met every expectation throughout the project. Steve James provided the exact role and attitude required for a project of this nature. The way he managed the works on site, given the difficult “live” environment was a credit to the firm. The overall management and support for Steve from Steve Offord and Joe was also a large factor in the smooth running of the scheme. All involved should be commended and are a credit to Gipping. Thank you for your part in a very successful scheme.”

Ben Mitchell, The Design partnership: Walden Place
“Carl, and the team, were fantastic during this phase of the project. Carl kept us updated with how the work was going and always had time to check with us if he thought things would impact on the running of the school. The site was always clean and tidy. The project was delivered slightly ahead of schedule, which made the transition into the build much easier for us! Thank you!”

Hannah Brookman, Tollgate Primary School Phase I
“It was a pleasure working with Gipping and we are very happy with our new home. Shaun Whiting was an exceptional Site Manager and remained professional, approachable and friendly throughout the entire build. The site was always tidy, well-managed and busy. We felt as if the entire Gipping team took our project seriously and truly cared about getting the build right. I would highly recommend you to anyone who is considering building a home.”

Elizabeth Goodrich, Amento